Image processing device

Abstract

An image processing device includes an image acquisition unit for acquiring a normal light observation image captured with white light and a special light observation image captured simultaneously with the normal light observation image using predetermined narrowband light, and an image processing unit for subjecting the normal light observation image acquired by the image acquisition unit to predetermined processing to generate a processed normal light observation image and providing information of the processed normal light observation image to the special light observation image.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An image processing device comprising:
 an image acquisition unit for acquiring a normal light observation image captured by an endoscope using white light as observation light and a special light observation image captured by the endoscope simultaneously with the normal light observation image using predetermined narrowband light as the observation light; and 
 an image processing unit for subjecting the normal light observation image acquired by the image acquisition unit to predetermined processing to generate a processed normal light observation image and compositing information of the processed normal light observation image with the special light observation image, 
 wherein the image processing unit has a function of:
 processing the normal light observation image with a low-pass filter to generate the processed normal light observation image; 
 determining a ratio between red, green and blue in each pixel of the processed normal light observation image and an average of the ratio between red, green and blue; 
 extracting pixels in which a difference from the determined average of the ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold; and 
 compositing an image composed of the extracted pixels with the special light observation image. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The image processing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the image processing unit generates the processed normal light observation image in which microvessels in a superficial layer and thick blood vessels in middle and deep layers are removed and information on a deeper area in an observed field of view and information on a structure and a state of a biological surface are kept intact. 
     
     
       3. The image processing device according to  claim 1 , wherein the image processing unit comprises a plurality of filters having different passbands, and the processing of the normal light observation image comprises using the plurality of filters. 
     
     
       4. The image processing device according to  claim 3 , wherein the processing of the normal light observation image comprises a plurality of different types of processing with the plurality of filters, the plurality of different types of processing being selectable in accordance with a desired image quality. 
     
     
       5. An endoscope system comprising:
 the image processing device according to  claim 1 .